There have been more than 50 attempts to legislate voluntary assisted dying in Australia in the past few decades. With the brief exception of the Northern Territory legislation, all have failed. In Victoria, after an extensive process, a voluntary assisted dying bill is about to be debated in Parliament. As other States embark on their own legislative processes for voluntary assisted dying, the proceedings in Victoria will be watched closely.

As Chair of the Victorian Government’s Ministerial Advisory Panel on Voluntary Assisted Dying, Professor Owler will discuss the details of Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. From his perspectives as a neurosurgeon, a public health advocate and a former AMA President, he will discuss why this legislation is important in providing a safe and compassionate option for people who are dying. He will also discuss the issues for the medical profession, as well as why he supports the voluntary assisted dying and the Victorian Bill.

Professor Brian Owler is an adult and paediatric consultant neurosurgeon who treats both adults and children with brain cancers as well as a variety of other neurosurgical conditions. He is a consultant neurosurgeon at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, the Sydney Adventist Hospital and Norwest Private Hospital.

Professor Owler is a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Sydney. Research topics have included new treatments for the management of hydrocephalus, brain tumours and deep brain stimulation surgery. He is a Patron of the Hydrocephalus Association of NSW.

Professor Owler was President of the Australian Medical Association from 2014-16 and is a past President of AMA NSW.

Along with his interest’s clinical work he is interested in public health advocacy. This includes the RTA / NSW AMA Road Safety ‘Don’t Rush’ campaign, and lobbying to prevent childhood injury. He is also a Vice-Patron of Road Safety Education

Professor Owler is a Director of Autism Awareness Australia and the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.

February2018

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1

Catfish Voodoo

Catfish Voodoo

Date: February 1, 2018

Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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2

Stu King & Greg Stott

Stu King & Greg Stott

Date: February 2, 2018

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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3

4

5

6

7

Irene Natividad Address

Irene Natividad Address

Date: February 7, 2018

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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8

Bad Luck Kitty

Bad Luck Kitty

Date: February 8, 2018

Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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9

Mike Price Combo

Mike Price Combo

Date: February 9, 2018

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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12

The Hon Kevin Rudd Address

The Hon Kevin Rudd Address

Date: February 12, 2018

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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13

14

Professor Emma Johnston Address

Professor Emma Johnston Address

Date: February 14, 2018

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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15

Sam Rainsy Address

Sam Rainsy Address

Date: February 15, 2018

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

Roy Payne's Hillbilly Bop Safari

Roy Payne's Hillbilly Bop Safari

Date: February 15, 2018

Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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16

Rachael Thoms & Lachlan Coventry

Rachael Thoms & Lachlan Coventry

Date: February 16, 2018

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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18

19

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21

Hon Peter Dutton MP Address

Hon Peter Dutton MP Address

Date: February 21, 2018

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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22

Jeff & Deej Band

Jeff & Deej Band

Date: February 22, 2018

Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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23

Hugh Barrett

Hugh Barrett

Date: February 23, 2018

Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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24

Local Craft Brewers Degustation

Local Craft Brewers Degustation

Date: February 24, 2018

Time: 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm

5 course - matching beers - guest speakers - PRIZES!

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia

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Professor Margaret Gardner AO Address

Professor Margaret Gardner AO Address

Date: February 28, 2018

Time: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

National Press Club of Australia, 16 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600, Australia